Lee–Speed
TypeBolt-action rifle
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
WarsBoer War, World War I
Production history
DesignerJames Paris Lee
ManufacturerRSAF Enfield
Birmingham Small Arms Company
Specifications
Length49.5 in (1,260 mm)
Barrel length30.2 in (770 mm)

Cartridge.303 British Mk I
Calibre0.312 in (7.9 mm)
ActionBolt-action
Rate of fire24 rounds/minute
Muzzle velocity2,040 ft/s (620 m/s)
Effective firing range~1 mi (1,800 yd)
Maximum firing range1 mi (1,800 yd)
Feed system5 or 10-round magazine
SightsSliding leaf rear sights, Fixed-post front sights, "Dial" long-range volley sights

The Lee–Speed rifle was a bolt-action rifle based on James Paris Lee's rear-locking bolt system and detachable magazine. Early models were fitted with barrels using the radiused rifling designed by William Ellis Metford.[1][2] while later models used the same square "Enfield" rifling as contemporary British military rifles.

The weapon was a sporting variant of the well known Lee–Metford and Lee–Enfield rifles made for civilian shooters, though often purchased by Army officers who wanted a rifle made to a higher standard of fit and finish than the issued military rifle.

Variants

No.1

Officers pattern, with bayonet mount.

No.2

Officers pattern, without bayonet mount.

No.3

Trade pattern.

References

  1. "Historic small-bore Enfield rifles, training rifles and BSA rifles; plus league competitions".
  2. "Museum of the Manchester Regiment Object Focus : Lee-Speed Sporting Rifle". Retrieved 5 February 2023.
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